Fall Landscaper-Approved Lawn Care Tip

With the cooler season upon us, it’s easy to forget that our lawns and yards still require our attention. Yes, you can still have a lush landscape, even as the temperatures continue to drop, but rather than trying every little thing under the sun, we asked the experts for help in order to share exactly what works.

We consulted with a few landscapers and outdoor experts to discuss the most common lawn care concerns that arise this time of year and what homeowners should do to prepare for fall. According to Don Chouinard, a former contractor and watering expert and current principal manager at Irrigreen, “The most important thing to do for your lawn as fall approaches–don’t stop watering altogether!”

He explains that “as temperatures fade into the cooler autumn months, you’ll want to modify your watering habits. But it is vital to keep watering your lawn through the fall because it needs this time to recover and repair itself after the scorching summer heat—and to survive the upcoming winter season.”

Dave Brown, owner of Reliable Tree Service in Southern California, echoes this sentiment. “A well-timed watering schedule keeps grass roots healthy going into winter, which means fewer weeds and less chance of your lawn drying out or becoming patchy,” he shares with us. “It can absolutely be worth the investment if you do it correctly, especially during the fall when our region experiences cooler nights and less evaporation.

Now that we know the secret to a lush lawn this fall, these are the picks that professional landscapers suggest to help you get the job done.

Landscaper-Approved Lawn Care Essentials

Walensee Lawn Aerator

“Aeration reduces compaction and pest-harboring thatch, allowing an easier path for water, air, and vital nutrients to get to the roots,” says Brian Feldman, senior director of field operations at TruGreen. “Aeration also opens up furrows in the soil for a cozy place for grass seed to germinate and establish.” Before starting your lawn watering journey, prepare your lawn with an aerator to loosen the soil.

Melnor MiniMax Turbo Oscillator Sprinkler

“With proper scheduling and attention, watering your lawn in the fall isn’t a waste—it’s an investment in keeping your property healthy and attractive year-round,” Brown explains. An easy way to do this is by getting yourself a sprinkler system. Despite the mini-size of this tool, it can cover up to 4,000 square feet of lawn. 

RainPoint Sprinkler Timer

If you’d rather have a system that you can simply set and forget, then get yourself a programmable timer. This best-selling model allows you to time out the water duration and the frequency for a fully customized routine. “Early morning is best,” Brown advises. “So the soil absorbs the water before the sun causes evaporation. Avoid short, daily watering because it encourages shallow root growth.”

Gouevn 2-Pack Soil Moisture Meter

“The blades of grass store water and resources during winter to use at the start of next spring, so they need moisture to tuck away for the winter months,” Chouinard states. That’s why you should try a moisture meter to help monitor the amount of water your plants and lawn are getting. No more over-watering!

Urban Worm Soil Thermometer

Chouinard also tells Real Simple, “Your grass will go dormant once temperatures drop below about 40 degrees, so you should stop watering completely once the ground freezes or nighttime temperatures drop below 30 degrees for consecutive days.” The best way to determine when it’s time to stop is by having a designated thermometer for your lawn. You can stick this simple piece in your yard to help you track the temps.